Tarpon Key very public but very fishy

Tarpon Key is perhaps one of the best known hot spots in Tampa Bay, yet still many anglers pass it by each day on their way to and from other destinations. Too public, some assume. Too much boat traffic. But despite easy access and being right beside a high-traffic channel, this sleeper spot frequently holds lots of big fish.
Schools of jumbo reds are one of the main targets. The second week of March the oversized drum where there in mass and area anglers and guides took advantage. One guide who got on them early caught 60 in one day, every one of them oversized, said Capt. Jim Lemke, who got into them there, as well.
Sand potholes everywhere, as well as deeper ruts and prop scars are hangouts for these fish, particularly on low tides. When the water is clear, Tarpon Key is a sight angler's paradise. A favorite technique is to pole in as far as possible at low tide and wait for the water to begin coming in. That's when the fish begin moving in and feeding. When the tide goes out, fish tend to drop into holes and trenches and care must be taken to spot them before getting so close they spook.
The fish tend to stay schooled here, thanks mostly to the no motor zone that encircles the the key. That's why some anglers score so many fish here at times, as it is simply a matter of staying with the school and being quiet. With too much pressure the fish will begin to break up, however, and often good fishing turns bad after two or three days of boats pushing them around. Some boaters ignore the no motor zone and spook fish by cruising through.
In addition to big reds, the area is known for giving up gator trout. These fish usually travel in single or very small pods. Capt. Paul Hawkins has caught some monsters here over the years. He likes throwing Cotee root beer grub jigs, MirroLures and Reel Magic baits for these fish, which he sight-fishes just like the reds. When the big fish are not around, falling back to the drop-offs to 3 to 4 feet of water often produces lots of smaller and average sized trout.
The other great thing about this spot is it is so close to other great fishing areas. It is an easy run to productive waters around Fort Desoto Park, the Skyway and the many bars and spoils in the area and the lush grass off Point Pinellas just east of the Skyway Causeway at the southern tip of St. Pete.
Maximo Park and O'Neill's Marina are two close launching points.